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Toyota Corolla Gets Expressive New Design for 2014-MY

In September, the 11th generation of Toyota's iconic Corolla made its debut in dealer showrooms.

The 2014-MY Corolla features a number of updates both under and around the hood. Among the compact sedan's styling updates are a new exterior, a larger, more horizontal cabin design, longer wheelbase, and improved seating.

The exterior features what Toyota refers to as a more "expressive design with a sleeker, more athletic profile."

According to Mary LeGallet, small car product manager for Toyota, the initial reaction to the redesign has been enthusiastic.

"The dealer reaction has been great. They have been blown away by the redesign. The redesign of the Corolla is as dramatic as the one we did for the Avalon last year," she said.

Toyota Corolla LE

Under the hood, the all-new 2014 Corolla will feature a choice from a pair of engines, the 2ZR-FE 1.8L VVT-i four-cylinder and the 2ZR-FAE 1.8L VVT-i four-cylinder, will be offered with three transmissions, including the new 6-speed manual and an all-new CVT.

The 1.8L DOHC four-cylinder engine will produce an estimated 132 hp and 128 lb.-ft. of torque, which will be available as standard on all models except the LE ECO. The LE ECO will feature a 1.8L engine with the valvematic system paired to the new CVT, producing 140 hp and achieving 31 mpg city/42 mpg highway/35 mpg combined.

All grades with the new CVT not featuring the valvematic technology will see an increase of at least 3 mpg over the previous generation, according to Toyota.

The 2014-MY Corolla will be available in four models: L, LE, LE ECO, and Corolla S. The LE, LE ECO, and S will also be available with two trim levels: Plus and Premium.

Toyota Corolla L

According LeGallet, the LE is the most common Corolla model purchased by commercial fleet customers.

New content for the 2014-MY Corolla includes the updated Entune system, which features an array of new apps, including Facebook Places. The updated system is also being rolled out in other new Toyota products, including the Sequoia and Tundra.

The 2014-MY Corolla will also feature a number of safety features, including eight air bags and LED headlamps as standard. A back-up camera is optional.

Other standard content includes Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio-streaming connectivity. Additional available options include smart key/push-button start and paddle shifters.

The 2014-MY Corolla will be assembled in production plants in Mississippi and Canada.

The MSRP for the 2014-MY Corolla ranges from $16,800 for the L with manual transmission to $20,100 for the ECO Plus with CVTi-S. The fleet-popular LE model is available in three trim levels and is paired with the CVTi-S. It ranges from $18,300 for the LE to $18,700 for the LE Plus to $19,400 for the LE Premium. There is an $810 destination charge. Currently, there are no fleet incentives for the vehicle.

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